Sociology

B.A. or B.S.
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.*
delivery
$384 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms/year

Human values and communities are influenced by class, gender, ethnic differences and global trends. This has always been the case, and it will remain so, especially as societies become more complex. By earning your sociology bachelor’s degree online from Oregon State University, you will gain a deep understanding of how societies function, how social structures are formed — and how you can play a role in shaping their future.

Enroll in a program that encourages critical thinking about complex issues such as inequality, justice, race, modernization and globalization. You’ll develop a more informed and empathetic worldview and be ready to serve the people in your community and beyond by creating solutions to current and future social problems.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online sociology degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online sociology degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who are involved in contemporary policy issues and serve as advisors and consultants for public agencies, nonprofits and legislative bodies.

  • Evidence evaluation
  • Research proposal creation
  • Quantitative data analysis
  • Qualitative data collection
  • Presentation development
  • Report writing
Young woman with clipboard smiling at woman holding a paper bag
Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2025 - U.S. News & World Report

Program details

The online coursework in Oregon State’s sociology bachelor’s program provides a strong foundation in quantitative analysis, oral and written communication, social policy and research methods. You’ll become a more socially aware and civically engaged citizen who can contribute meaningfully to your community and workplace.

The online sociology program is delivered online in partnership with Oregon State’s College of Liberal Arts.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate with your sociology degree, including:

A man holding a paper speaks to two people across a table in a bright office setting with a small plant in the background.

Additional program features

You have the option to tailor your sociology studies to align with your interests and career goals by choosing from one of the following options:

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

Get a jump-start on your Master of Public Policy degree while working toward your bachelor’s degree in sociology. Through Oregon State’s Accelerated Master’s Platform, current undergraduate students can take graduate-level courses online that will be applied to their bachelor’s degree.

The credits you earn will be transferred to the Master of Public Policy program. Students enrolled in Oregon State’s online graduate courses will pay the graduate tuition and fees rate.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Careers in sociology

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online sociology degree program will help you fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. You’ll graduate ready to make an impact in a variety of fields that need problem-solvers with broad sociological knowledge.

Potential careers include:

  • Social service worker
  • Marketing consultant
  • Public policy researcher
  • Teacher
  • User experience specialist
  • Public relations coordinator